sense of occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

'sense of occasion' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's awareness of the magnitude and importance of a certain situation or event. For example: "John showed a great sense of occasion when he delivered his speech at the graduation ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their latest release is "Sense of Occasion".

The New Yorker

There was a sense of occasion.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sense of occasion is palpable.

The New York Times - Food

Have the Avengers stolen the sense of occasion?

Independent

And the sense of occasion was not lost on Reyes.

The New York Times - Sports

The audience seemed to catch the sense of occasion.

The New York Times - Arts

But the game had a sense of occasion nonetheless.

The New York Times - Sports

A sense of occasion, of ritual time, is sustained throughout.

The New Yorker

But the man has a sense of occasion.

The Guardian

"The sense of occasion was high," said Mr. Heaney.

The New York Times - Books

Her friend Cynthia Rowley notes that she has a pitch-perfect sense of occasion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of occasion" to describe situations where the atmosphere or environment contributes to the importance or memorability of an event. For example, a formal dinner can have a "sense of occasion" due to the setting and dress code.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of occasion" when you mean 'opportunity'. "Occasion" refers to a specific event or time, not a chance to do something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of occasion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. As shown by Ludwig, it describes an awareness or feeling about the importance or specialness of a particular event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Arts

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of occasion" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the awareness or feeling of importance surrounding an event. As Ludwig highlights, it's often used in News & Media and Arts contexts to convey that an event is perceived as special or significant. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives like "feeling of significance" or "atmosphere of import". Remember to use "sense of occasion" to describe specific events and not confuse it with "opportunity". Overall, understanding and appropriately using "sense of occasion" can enhance your writing by adding depth and nuance when describing events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of significance

Focuses more on the emotional response and the importance attributed to the moment.

atmosphere of import

Highlights the environment and the weightiness surrounding the event.

awareness of importance

Emphasizes the cognitive recognition of the event's significance.

feeling of momentousness

Suggests a feeling that the event is a crucial turning point.

air of solemnity

Indicates a serious and dignified mood, often associated with formal events.

heightened awareness

Implies an increased level of consciousness and attention to detail.

special atmosphere

Focuses on the unique and distinctive environment created by the event.

palpable excitement

Emphasizes the enthusiastic and noticeable energy present.

sense of history

Highlights the connection to past events and traditions.

electric atmosphere

Suggests a dynamic and stimulating environment, full of energy and anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of occasion" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of occasion" to describe a feeling or atmosphere that makes an event feel important or special. For example, "The decorations added to the "sense of occasion" at the wedding."

What's a good alternative to "sense of occasion"?

Alternatives include "feeling of significance", "atmosphere of import", or "awareness of importance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'lack of sense of occasion'?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say "lack of sense of occasion" to describe someone or something that doesn't recognize or appreciate the importance of a particular event or situation. For example, "His casual attire showed a lack of "sense of occasion"."

What does it mean when something 'lacks a sense of occasion'?

It means the event or situation doesn't feel special or important. It could be due to a lack of preparation, inappropriate behavior, or a general failure to recognize the significance of the moment. You can also use "lack of personality" to describe it.